ALBANY -- The Albany Police Department is looking into two armed robberies that took place Monday night.

One of the incidents unfolded at Gillespie Avenue and Magnolia Street at 9 p.m. There, two unknown black males reportedly victimized Thalandius Chester, 20, by taking $1 in cash and two Wal-Mart gift cards.

Chester stated to police that they dragged him into a vacant house and took the items from him. He advised that one of the suspects was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

Chester further stated that the suspects released him, after which he went home to call the police. This case was forwarded to the APD Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Another armed robbery took place just before midnight at 1800 W. Lincoln Ave.

Michael Anthony Henderson, 21, was listed as the victim in the report. Henderson told officers he was walking home from a grocery store when it happened.

The police report narrative states that Henderson saw three unknown black males walking toward him when he turned and walked down the alley. He then said that one of the three suspects hit him in the right ear with a silver handgun and threatened to shoot him if he moved.

Police said the suspects reportedly asked for all the items in his pocket, which was cash and a cigar.

Henderson said he did not know any of the suspects, but thought he recognized one of the voices. He was unable to get facial descriptions because they were all wearing masks.

After taking his property, the victim reported that the suspects ran off. He sought medical treatment for a cut on his ear.